Participation in Maine district's summer meals program doubles

After a concerted effort by the School Department to advertise and offer food at more locations, Food Service Director Ron Adams said attendance has probably doubled from last year. He estimated that the program has served about 250 meals a day to students on weekdays this summer, up from 125 last year.

The program is serving food at 16 locations around the city this summer, an increase from 12 last year.

“It’s really been about finding where the kids already are,” Adams said at a Deering Oaks Park event promoting the program on July 24. “This is one of those places.”

The official participation numbers will not be available until the department reports to the state in September, he said.